Debbie Avery
Manager Home Ownership, Policy and Evidence
Aboriginal Housing Office NSW
Debbie Avery is a proud Gumbaynggirr woman from the Coffs Coast of NSW. Her personal journey – including growing up in an old home without hot running water and then living in social housing – has shaped her passion for home ownership for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Debbie has over 20 years of experience in retail banking, including Indigenous Business Australia, which affords her the know-how of what it takes to achieve home ownership.
Working with the Aboriginal Housing Office (AHO) as the Manager for the Home Ownership program provides Debbie with the platform to help make home ownership a reality for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across NSW. Debbie is very passionate about her work and dedicated to making a difference. Home ownership is very meaningful to her, and she is committed to breaking down barriers Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people face in purchasing their own home.
Sessions
Day 2
9:00
Keynote: Expanding Pathways to First Nations Home Ownership
Supporting First Nations households to move from social housing and private rentals into appropriate, sustainable home ownership
Addressing structural barriers through culturally informed financial capability, savings readiness, deposit solutions and long‑term support
The role of government, Aboriginal organisations and lenders working in partnership to unlock scalable and sustainable pathways
Introducing our new and emerging models, including Affordable Rent‑to‑Buy, that bridge the gap between renting and home ownership
Stephen Woodlands, Founder and Managing Director, Head Start Homes
Pam Jackson, Executive Director - First Nations Collaboration, Head Start Homes
Debbie Avery, Manager Home Ownership, Policy and Evidence, Aboriginal Housing Office NSW